Polar travel

Cast adrift to the extremes of the earth and discover great white landscapes full of icy inlets and frozen coves. Experience the rush of setting foot on some of the world's most remote terrain, witness brilliant natural phenomena and come to terms with the sheer size and scale of our planet's polar regions.

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Arctic early bird 2017

Antarctic early bird 2017/18 season

Antarctica 2017/18 voyages are now live and so are our early bird deals. View deals tab for offer.

Learn more about Polar travel

The boats

Ocean Endeavour

The Ocean Endeavour is classed as small expedition ship, but it’s got all the features you’d expect of a modern, dedicated polar vessel. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and day excursions, generous deck space, two restaurants and all the latest navigation equipment. Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness. From the newly built saunas, to the pool, gym, hot tub and wellness café with a juice bar, it’s a warmer reception than you’d expect in the Arctic. The ship also has a Polar Boutique, where guests can buy gifts as well as gear they might need for the voyage.

Ocean Diamond

The Ocean Diamond is an exceptional polar vessel, designed to give passengers the ultimate experience of exploring the Antarctic, within the comfort of a cruising yacht with additional amenities such as a massage and wellness programme, as well as a well-stocked polar library. All cabins boast exterior views, as well as en-suite bathroom facilities. There are also optional camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing and mountaineering options available depending on conditions.

Ocean Nova

Designed to carry passengers in comfort and convenience to the furthest corners of the globe, Ocean Nova still manages to deliver a clean, crisp Scandinavian design that harks back to its Danish origins. Its ice-strengthened hull allows it to cruise the ice-choked waters of the Polar regions in safety, while the chef-prepared meals on board, polar library and glass-enclosed observation lounge add a touch of refinement. There’s also Zodiac boats for day excursions, optional kayaking and snowshoe hire on-board, everything the budding explorer needs.

Sea Adventurer

The sturdy, 117 passenger Sea Adventurer, plies the waters of the Antarctic and the Arctic. With the highest ice rating in our fleet, she is a perfect platform for wildlife viewing and getting into those hard to reach places. Boasting a beautiful wooden promenade deck, forward facing lounge and bar, and window lined dining room, you will be able to soak in the surroundings no matter where you are on board. And like all our vessels, the Sea Adventurer is equipped with zodiacs to get you ashore and on board experts to help you understand all of the wonders that the Polar regions has to offer.

Expedition leaders

David Wood

Woody’s love of the ocean and the wild places at the extremes of the planet has resulted in a life at sea, in both the northern or southern hemispheres, for the past ten years. He is passionate about the landscapes, ice, wildlife and history of these special places and delights in sharing his interests with passengers.

David "Dutch" Wilmott

A veteran of both the Antarctic and Arctic, Dutch is an unashamed polar addict. Having studied geography and environmental science at university and sailed the North West and Drake passages innumerable times, his knowledge and extreme enthusiasm for the landscapes and wildlife of each pole is infectious.

Wildlife

Puffin

Arctic Fox

King Penguins

Seals

Polar bear

Svarlbard Reindeer

Walrus

Sperm Whale

Optional activities

Camping in Antarctica

Spend a night out on the Antarctic ice. It may be cold, but we’ll provide all the gear you need to have an unforgettable experience. On each trip, camping is limited to 30 passengers, so book early.

Mountaineering in Antarctica

If you’re up for a real challenge, spend a day with crampons and ice axes climbing ice, unnamed mountains in Antarctica. Needless to say, passengers choosing this option must have exceptional fitness and the mental stamina to climb for long periods, as adventures can last up to 10 hours.

Sea kayaking in Antarctica and the Arctic

Up to 16 people on each voyage have the chance to paddle out on the icy waters in a sea kayak at each stop. Kayaks, paddles, lifejackets and drysuits are provided, as well as the guidance of a qualified kayaking instructor. For your safety, some kayaking experience is required.

Snowshoeing in the Arctic

Strap on some lightweight snowshoes and explore remote alcoves and hidden valleys. This clever mode of transport spreads your weight more evenly across a larger area, allowing you to navigate your way across the deep Arctic snow to places inaccessible in regular boots.

Traveller reviews

Our polar trips score an average of 5 out of 5
based on 1 review in the last year.

Jo Kemper

Fantastic trip, well worth the hefty price. Quark does an excellent job. Guides and staff are stellar. They go above and beyond to make your Antarctic Peninsula wishlist sightings come true. I wish there was a bare bones option for a ship with basic lodging and food, but I have to admit that the cushy environment and fantastic meals were pretty welcome after a busy day of playing out in the wilds of Antarctica!